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Frameline Honors Actor-Activist George Takei

6/2/2014

San Francisco, CA — Each year during the San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival, the Frameline Award is given to a person or entity that has made a significant contribution to LGBT representation in film, television, or the media arts. This year, Frameline’s Board of Directors and staff are proud to present the award to actor and activist George Takei.

George Takei was born in Los Angeles in 1937, to hard-working parents. When he was five years old, his family, along with more than 100,000 people with Japanese heritage, was ripped from their home and imprisoned in internment camps for the duration of World War II. This experience would shape his worldview and start him on a trailblazing path toward activism.

Takei’s film and television work spans decades. He landed his first professional job in 1957— when he was studying architecture at UC Berkeley and when opportunities for actors of Asian descent were scarce. Takei is universally known for his role as Hikaru Sulu, who navigated the USS Enterprise in three Star Trek franchises on television: Star Trek (1966–1969), Star Trek: The Animated Series (1974–75), and Star Trek: Voyager (1995), as well as in the first six Star Trek films (1979-1991). The series is known for its diverse cast and its ability to tackle serious social issues— and for its theatrical, sometimes camp, sensibility.

He has appeared on dozens of television shows, including My Three Sons; Hawaii Five-0 (1968 and 2010); Trapper John, M.D.; 3rd Rock from the Sun; Will & Grace; Malcolm in the Middle; and Community. On their own, his voiceover credits on animated shows could fill the résumés of several actors: The Simpsons, Futurama, The Super Hero Squad Show, Scooby-Doo, Spider-Man, Batman Beyond, The Brak Show, Archer, and dozens more.

George and his husband, Brad Takei, had been partners for more than 21 years when they were married on September 14, 2008. After the California Supreme Court struck down a ban on same-sex marriage in May 2008, they were among the first gay couples to get a marriage license. The couple’s steadfast commitment to marriage equality and to ending anti-gay bullying includes work on many online PSAs that have been viewed millions of times. Frameline38’s Centerpiece Documentary, TO BE TAKEI, joyously illustrates Takei’s dynamic life and sets the stage for his Broadway-bound musical, Allegiance, a story inspired by his time in the internment camps.

Frameline will recognize George Takei for his achievements in the media arts, as well as his unparalleled activism and community service. His groundbreaking work as an artist opened the doors for many others who have been—and continue to be—inspired by his work and his unwavering commitment to equality and social justice. He is a beacon of hope and joy. For his galaxy-size body of work in cinema, in television, and on the stage, George Takei will receive this year’s Frameline Award.

Join Frameline and journalist/civil rights advocate Helen Zia as George Takei is presented with the Frameline Award at the June 24 Centerpiece screening of TO BE TAKEI at the Castro Theatre.

About Frameline38: San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival

Frameline38: the San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival screens June 19-29, 2014 at the Castro Theatre, (429 Castro Street), Roxie Theater, (3117 16th Street), and the Victoria Theatre, (2961 16th Street) in San Francisco, and in Berkeley at Rialto Cinemas® Elmwood, (2966 College Avenue). The Frameline Box Office, located inside The HRC Action Center and Store, (575 Castro Street between 18th and 19th Streets) opens Friday, May 23 for Frameline member ticket sales, and Friday, May 30 for the general public. Box Office hours are 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm daily. Box Office is closed Monday, May 26 for Memorial Day. Tickets are also available 24 hours daily online (www.frameline.org/festival) and via fax (415-861-1404).

Unless otherwise noted, tickets for matinee screenings, (Monday-Friday, 5:00 pm and earlier), are $10 for the general public and $8 for Frameline members, while evening and weekend shows are $12 for the general public and $10 for members. Castro Passes, good for admission to all screenings at the Castro Theatre, other than Opening Night and Closing Night, are available for $225. Weekday Matinee Passes, good for admission to all weekday matinee screenings starting at 5:00 pm or earlier at the Castro Theatre are available for $40 for the general public and $35 for members. For more information, visit www.frameline.org/festival.